Robert Marzano's 6 steps for effective vocabulary instruction

Educational researcher Robert Marzano’s six steps for effective vocabulary instruction offer a structured approach to ensure students not only learn new words but also retain and apply them effectively. As Marzano says, "direct vocabulary instruction is essential if we are to help students develop the knowledge and skills they need for academic success."

The six steps are integral to Bedrock Learning’s vocabulary teaching strategies, which leverage Marzano's framework to enhance student engagement and understanding. In this article, we’ll delve into each of Marzano’s six steps, explore their significance, and provide practical classroom examples. We’ll also highlight how Bedrock Learning integrates these strategies into its own learning sequence to support students in building a robust vocabulary (see below).

Introducing new vocabulary through descriptions and examples helps students grasp the meaning in a context they can understand. Rather than relying solely on dictionary definitions, this approach connects new terms to students' existing knowledge and experiences, making the learning process more relatable and effective. Teachers can start by explaining a new word with a clear, concise description and relevant examples.

For instance, if the term is "ecosystem," you might say, "An ecosystem is a system made up of living things like plants and animals, and their environment, such as a forest or pond." Using visual aids or real-life analogies, like a garden, can further enhance comprehension. Bedrock Learning’s platform employs detailed descriptions and student-friendly examples to introduce vocabulary, helping learners understand and retain new terms effectively.

Restating the meaning in their own words encourages students to internalise the concept and demonstrate their understanding. This active engagement helps to solidify their grasp of the term and allows teachers to assess comprehension more effectively.

After presenting the new word, ask students to paraphrase the description. For example, after learning "ecosystem," students might explain it as "a place where different plants and animals live and interact with each other." This could be done in written form or through a partner discussion.

Visual representations help students process and remember new vocabulary by linking abstract concepts to concrete images. Marzano This step caters to visual learners and makes the terms more memorable. Encourage students to draw pictures or create diagrams that represent the new word.

For "ecosystem," students might draw a forest scene showing various plants, animals, and their interactions. This visual approach aids in reinforcing the term's meaning. Bedrock incorporates visual aids and encourages students to engage with images and diagrams, including completing an image-based activity, supporting diverse learning styles and enhancing vocabulary retention through visual association.

Engaging students in interactive activities allows them to use new vocabulary in different contexts, reinforcing their understanding and encouraging practical application. Active involvement helps deepen their knowledge and retention. Use games, role-playing, or group activities that incorporate the new vocabulary.

For example, a word sorting activity could involve categorising various terms related to "ecosystem," or students could role-play different organisms interacting in their ecosystems. Bedrock Learning’s platform offers a variety of interactive exercises and activities that help students apply new vocabulary in engaging and meaningful ways. All of these activities are self-marked and provide insights on how well the learner is comprehending new vocabulary.

Peer discussions provide opportunities for students to use vocabulary in conversation, hear different perspectives, and clarify their understanding. Social interaction around new terms helps solidify their learning and application.

Facilitate group discussions or partner activities where students use the new vocabulary. For instance, have students discuss how different ecosystems support various forms of life, using the term "ecosystem" throughout the conversation. This collaborative approach encourages deeper engagement with the material.

Games make vocabulary learning enjoyable and less intimidating, providing a relaxed environment where students can practice and reinforce their understanding. Gamified learning helps to embed vocabulary knowledge through playful interaction. Incorporate vocabulary games such as word bingo, charades, or matching activities.

Games provide a fun way for students to engage with and remember new words. Bedrock Learning integrates gamified elements into its platform, making vocabulary learning engaging and effective. This approach encourages students to actively use and remember new vocabulary in a fun, interactive way.

Robert Marzano’s six steps for effective vocabulary instruction offer a comprehensive framework for teaching vocabulary in a way that promotes deep understanding and long-term retention. By incorporating these steps into their teaching practices, educators can significantly enhance students’ vocabulary skills.

Bedrock’s learning sequence aligns with Marzano's approach, providing a platform that incorporates and builds on these strategies to support students in building a rich and enduring vocabulary. Through structured explanations, interactive activities, and written activities in which the learner is creating their own sentences, Bedrock gives all learners the opportunity to develop their vocabulary.